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Alex S Pang Ph.D.

About

Alex Pang, Ph.D., is the author of three books, including Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less and The Distraction Addiction. He has a Ph.D. in the history of science from the University of Pennsylvania. His work has appeared in Scientific American, The Atlantic Monthly, American Scholar, the Los Angeles Times, and many scholarly journals.

Books by Alex S Pang Ph.D.
Recent Posts
Running, Writing, and Deep Play
We often think of hobbies as a distraction from our busy working lives. In fact, the right kind of "deep play" can help us be better at our jobs, and even be more creative.
Why Living Abroad Is Broadening
When does travel promote creativity? Scientists are studying how travel, navigating cultural distance, and learning about new places can broaden your creative horizons.
So, What Is Distraction Again?

Distraction and mind-wandering may seem like interchangeable terms, but they're not. It's worth pondering what our brain is doing when it seems to be doing nothing.

Distraction and mind-wandering may seem like interchangeable terms, but they're not. It's worth pondering what our brain is doing when it seems to be doing nothing.

How Encouraging Kids' Creativity Makes Better Scientists

How do you encourage students to become innovative scientists and engineers? One key, it turns out, is cultivating their talent in arts and sports.

How do you encourage students to become innovative scientists and engineers? One key, it turns out, is cultivating their talent in arts and sports.

Why "Science Benefits When We Think More and Do Less"

Does the productivity of scientific careers come at the cost of creativity? One foundation director worries that it does.

Does the productivity of scientific careers come at the cost of creativity? One foundation director worries that it does.

No-Face Day in the Cheery Workplace

Modern workplaces expect workers to be happy, and are developing ever-more sophisticated tools for making sure that employees are positive, engaged, and productive. But one Chinese company's "No-Face Day," in which employees were allowed to wear masks that excused them from the demand to be happy, suggests just how exhausting-- and unnecessary-- this can be.

Modern workplaces expect workers to be happy, and are developing ever-more sophisticated tools for making sure that employees are positive, engaged, and productive. But one Chinese company's "No-Face Day," in which employees were allowed to wear masks that excused them from the demand to be happy, suggests just how exhausting-- and unnecessary-- this can be.

Notifications Are the New Distractions

Do you jump a little inside when your phone pings to let you know you have a new text or voice mail? Turns out that can be as distracting as actually talking or texting. Another reason to get your phone under your control.

Do you jump a little inside when your phone pings to let you know you have a new text or voice mail? Turns out that can be as distracting as actually talking or texting. Another reason to get your phone under your control.